Danger:All parts of plant are poisonous if ingestedHandling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction

Bloom Color:Light Blue

Bloom Time:Late Winter/Early SpringMid Spring

Foliage:Blue-GreenSmooth-Textured

Other details:This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birdsFlowers are fragrantAverage Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwaterThis plant is resistant to deerFlowers are good for drying and preservingSuitable for growing in containers

Profile:

Gardeners' Notes:

This cultivar is extraordinary and must be one of the best kept secrets of the hyacinth world. Last fall, I planted 480 'Blue Festival' bulbs around my back garden. I purchased them from Van Engelen and they were much more expensive than regular hyacinth bulbs. However, it was obvious even from viewing the bulbs that these hyacinths were "different." One most of the bulbs received, the basal plate was actively producing countless bulblets. Many of these I separated and planted in a separate area. Much to my surprise, many of these tiny bulblets produced small floral spikes this spring!

But back to the flower. They are such a beautiful shade of blue, that inimitable "hyacinth blue" that vacillates between purple, indigo or blue depending on time of day and lighting. Fragrance is wonderful and can be smelled at all times of day and night. When I walk out my back door, I practically swoon in delight.

I have noticed that these blooms attract quite a number of bumblebees on sunny days, something which I was more than delighted to discover. This fall, I may even plant more 'Blue Festival' to fill in the gaps in my yard and to continue providing an abundant early source of nectar for the bees.

Rumor has it that this strain of hyacinths will perennialize and multiply well in most climates, a fact that cannot be argued for the common Dutch hyacinths. Judging from my experience with separating the tiny bulblets upon planting last fall and seeing them bloom this spring, I am fairly confident that this is true.

After experiencing these first hand, I am not sure why anyone would even bother with regular Dutch hyacinths? They seem frumpy, stiff and stingy in comparison. Each bulb of 'Blue Festival' has produced so many bloom spikes that it makes each plant look like a miniature hyacinth "shrub." And my neighbors' regular Dutch hyacinths look...well...frumpy and stiff!